“Every aspect of the new OSI unit was designed with the patient’s safety and comfort in mind,” said Andrew Star, MD, medical director, OSI and chief, Orthopaedics at AMH.

Abington, PA (PRWEB)July 16, 2014

“Every aspect of the new OSI unit was designed with the patient’s safety and comfort in mind,” said Andrew Star, MD, medical director, OSI and chief, Orthopaedics at AMH.

For their convenience, patients will report directly to the unit on the day of surgery and all pre-operative preparation will be completed in the same room the patient will return to after their surgery.

Patients are encouraged to begin walking within hours of surgery and their progress is tracked using special floor markings. In addition, patients will begin physical therapy approximately two hours after surgery and will continue twice a day in a rehabilitation gym located on the unit until they are discharged. During physical therapy sessions, patients practice how to get in and out of bed, use the stairs and to walk safely with the assistance of a walking device.

There is also a dedicated space for occupational therapy, where patients can practice everyday activities, such as getting in and out of the tub, maneuvering around a kitchen and moving from a hard surface to a carpeted surface with a walking device.

On average, patients will be discharged one to three days following joint replacement surgery and one to two days following spine surgery.

The new OSI unit will have its own dedicated staff of orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, physician assistants, nurses, nursing assistants, physical therapists and a case manager.

Lansdale Hospital, in Hatfield Township, PA, opened a similar OSI unit in January 2011 and consistently receives Patient Satisfaction scores of 99 percent.

More than 1,400 physicians are on staff at both Abington Memorial Hospital and Lansdale Hospital. Additionally, Abington Health Physicians is an employed network of primary care physicians and specialists. Abington Health has more than 6,100 employees, making it one of the largest employers in Montgomery County.